Cristiano Ronaldo sparked rumours that he and girlfriend Irina Shayk may have married in secret when he referred to her as 'my wife' in an emotional acceptance speech after being crowned the FIFA World Player of the Year for the second time.

The 28-year-old sportsman was joined by both Russian model girlfriend Irina, also 28, and his three-year-old son Cristiano Junior as he claimed the coveted Ballon d’Or at the ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday night.

Overwhelmed by the honour, Ronaldo struggled to control his emotions, bursting into tears as he took to the stage alongside his little boy to accept his prize.

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Something to tell us? Cristiano Ronaldo sparked rumours he and girlfiend Irina Shayk may have wed in secret as he called her his 'wife' during his Ballon d'Or acceptance speech on Monday night

In
his tearful acceptance speech, Ronaldo said: 'First of all I have to
stay a great thanks to all of my team mates with the club and the
national team. Without all their efforts this would not have been
possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.

'Everybody
that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My
wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment.'

A spokesperson for Irina declined to comment on the reports when contacted by MailOnline.

Wearing a Dsquared2 Classic custom made grey tuxedo, Ronaldo was honoured after
scoring 66 goals in 56 appearances for club and country Portugal in 2013,
as he finally reclaimed the trophy he last held in 2008.

The footballer's second win also means that he has broken the stranglehold of his great adversary Lionel Messi.

Holding back the tears: Ronaldo struggled to control his emotions as his three-year-old son Cristiano Junior joined him on stage to accept the prize from Brazilian football legend Pele (R) and France Football president Francois Moriniere

Emotional: Little Cristiano appeared entranced by the shiny gold trophy as his dad struggled to speak

'I'd like to thank my wife...': It is not yet known if Ronaldo meant to say wife, or if it was an accidental slip of the tongue due to his emotional display

No 1: Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or and been named the greatest football player in the world

On his rivalry with Messi, Ronaldo said: 'I have a very professional relationship with Messi, he's a player I admire.

'I'm
happy to compete with the best. I'm going to try win things with Madrid
and the national team, and I hope to be here (again next year) and
win.'

Messi had held
exclusive rights to the award in recent seasons as he became the first
player to win the Ballon d'Or four consecutive times.

It could be you some day! Pele lifts up the sportsman's son to touch the prestigious award

Give us a hug: A tearful Ronaldo was comforted by his little boy

He
too had another memorable year in 2013, but it was not quite enough to
see him claim a fifth successive gong and he hailed Ronaldo as a just
winner.

'I want to
congratulate Cristiano because he was the winner and deservedly so. I
think it was a good year for the three of us and that's why we were
there.

'I have nothing to
complain about or make any excuses,' said the 26-year-old, who again
caught the attention at the gala with his fashion choice as he wore a
shiny burgundy three-piece suit.

Lovely in lace: Model Irina looked as incredible as ever in a fitted black lace dress with ankle strap heels

Heading inside: Ronaldo kept hold of Irina's hand while a friend clutched his son on the red carpet

Glamorous: Ronaldo with his girlfriend Irina Shayk during the awards ceremony

Take your seats: Ronaldo and Irina Shayk sat next to Lionel Messi and Antonella Rocuzzo for the ceremony

'Couldn't be more proud': Irina snapped away as Ronaldo took to the stage to collect the award

Ronaldo
also revealed Rio Ferdinand tried to persuade him to rejoin Manchester
United in the summer. ‘It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot to try and
make me come back to United,’ he said. ‘I did think about United — they
are still in my heart.’

Barcelona
President Sandro Rosell congratulated him on Twitter, saying:
'Congratulations Cristiano Ronaldo for winning the Ballon d'Or. And
thank you Leo for making 2013 unforgettable.'

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson did not attend the ceremony as he is on holiday in Barbados.